Richard L. "Dick" Kussman(1931 - 2013)

Richard "Dick" L. Kussman, passed away peacefully in Palm Desert, Calif. on August 5, 2013. He was born on June 6, 1931 to Allen and Regina Kussmann in the little town of Amherst, Wisconsin. Growing up in Central Wisconsin farm country he performed every imaginable task such as picking potatoes and cucumbers, delivering papers, and of course milking cows. After receiving his BS degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953. He became a pilot for fixed wing and helicopters, and flew Corsairs off carriers in the Korean War. He also served in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. He was an Intelligence Officer with Top Secret Clearance, and achieved the rank of Captain in the Reserves in 1958. He suffered a great deal for his country when he contracted malaria in the Philippines and was placed with many other men on the island of Iwo Jima to recover or die. Fortunately, he was one of the lucky ones. Dick was always proud of his country and extremely proud to be a United States Marine. After leaving the Corps, he obtained a Master of Arts Degree at CSULB in 1959. For a brief time he taught at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach until he was hired by Pacific Telephone in 1959. He worked his way up the ranks, switched to AT&T during the company's restructuring and retired in 1990 after 31 years as Sales Vice President for the Western Region. During this time he was also very active within the Republican Party, and co-chaired Ronald Reagan's Campaign for Governor. He also served on the CSULB Board of Advisors. All this too while raising two sons who have become successful and happy fathers themselves. He was deeply loved and respected by his employees for his leadership, professionalism and "never say die" attitude. The secret of his success was his treatment of people with trust, respect, and fairness. He made everyone feel worthwhile and important, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He served as a mentor, helping many people develop and succeed in their careers. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Marjorie (Maitre) Kussman, "Margie". They were best friends, soul mates, and shared a deep love for which all would wish. After his retirement in 1990 they spent many happy years splitting their time between their home in the Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif. and their condo in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Their idyllic life also included many trips to Germany, where they have many friends, driving tours of France and Italy, and many other adventures. Dick's hobbies were many including fishing, boating, picking wild asparagus and berries in Wisconsin, gardening, cooking, reading, and entertaining. He was always the life of every party and many people will remember his famous words, "Can I fix you a drink?" Oh and we can't forget he was a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Besides his wife, Dick is survived by his sons with his first wife, Bernadine Kussman: Craig (Marti) Kussman, and Richard Lance (Jessica) Kussman; brothers, Willard Kussman, Gene Kussman, and John Kussman; grandchildren Racquel, Liam, Kiera, Kaylee, and Kelsey Kussman, and step-grandchild, Jessica Evans. He will be missed by all who knew him but we are comforted by the fact that he is at peace now and watching over us. We love you … let the party begin in Heaven! We also want to thank the people at Odyssey Hospice and Hovley Care for their kind and gentle care. Contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warriors or any Veterans group. A memorial service will be held at a later date with private interment at Riverside National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by FitzHenry-Wiefels of Palm Desert, Calif.